Sea surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions in the Tropical Pacific Ocean near the equator remain in a strong El Niño state, according to Myanmar’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology. Based on forecasts and analyses drawing on announcements from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and international climate centres, El Niño is expected to reach its peak intensity towards the end of this year.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and international meteorological agencies have forecast that the current El Niño could develop into a “Super El Niño,” potentially becoming one of the strongest on record, and is highly likely to persist through February 2027, with its effects possibly continuing from March to May 2027. The El Niño phenomenon is also expected to cause extreme weather events, including generally abnormal rainfall patterns, unusual storm activity, higher daytime temperatures during the coming winter and summer seasons, and drought conditions.
Although Myanmar will soon enter the cold season, El Niño may bring hot and dry conditions and depletion of groundwater resources. At present, some townships are already experiencing temperatures higher than normal. Nevertheless, it is necessary to place emphasis on taking the required precautionary measures in advance to prepare for any severe weather conditions that may occur.
To cope with the hot weather associated with El Niño until the onset of the 2027 monsoon season, it is necessary to make preparations and take measures such as conserving and efficiently using drinking water and irrigation water, opening heat-relief shelters, storing water in dams and reservoirs, taking measures to prevent unnecessary water losses, stockpiling fruits and food supplies that can be stored for extended periods, cultivating late-monsoon crops to achieve the targeted production goals, and ensuring the continuity of livestock farming operations.
Due to El Niño, declining water levels in irrigation dams, reservoirs and other water storage facilities may lead to insufficient water for agricultural irrigation and hydropower generation. Reduced power generation could, in turn, have a cascading impact on many other sectors. Extremely high temperatures may cause dehydration and heatstroke and may particularly affect children, older people and those with chronic illnesses. Shortages of drinking water may also contribute to increased cases of diarrhoeal and other infectious diseases.
As natural disasters cannot be avoided and can only be effectively faced and overcome through proper preparedness, it is necessary to make preparations to minimize losses and damage across all sectors and to take measures to cope with and overcome the impacts of the Super El Niño during the coming dry season.
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